TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[Amma Usman]

Hi everyone,
does anyone know how long is ideal for the S & C cover letter? I'm at about 950 words which I can squeeze into one page at font nine but it feels too long. They don't have any guidance on their website but considering what other firms like S & M say, surely this is too long?

Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks

Hey @C_AJH , I usually aimed for 650 words or around that 500-word mark. I found that this had helped me to go straight into my motivations, cut out flowery words, and it was these applications I ended up being most successful with. A longer word count may be permitted, but ensure you prioritise conciseness with how you communicate your motivations and competencies. You are right in suggesting that this policy differs between firms. For example, Jones Day has a 300 word limit and this is highlighted in their application form. For firms which this isn’t, I’d say aim for lower than 950 words just to be safe.

 

[jojo23]

Just checked and deadline is Jan 10 so I’m sure we won’t hear for a while

I would have thought they'd be sending things around now seeing as it's rolling 😭... maybe it differs per firm

 

[Applebanana425]

Has anyone had any success with paralegal roles post-graduation? If so, I would appreciate some advice.

 

[Amma Usman]

what have people written about for the 'introduce a topic you know about' on the HSF app? I have a rather niche one I plan to discuss but I think it might be too academic. What are they actually looking for? I mean obvs non-boring, somewhat curious and well-read people who can enthuse and inform ppl about things. wondering what some successful candidates might have put in the past.

Hey @affidavid , I know the deadline has passed for HSF, but I still think it’s useful to provide insights on this very good question, as it’s typically seen among other firm‘s applications as well.

In my experience, there is no single “right” approach to this question, and it is possible to write about virtually anything you know well. What matters most is your ability to present the topic in a way that reflects your genuine enthusiasm and allows someone unfamiliar with it to walk away having learned something new or feeling inspired. The question is not just about what you know, but about how you engage with the subject and why it matters to you.

If your topic is academic, the way you structure your response becomes especially important. It can be tempting to approach the question as though you are writing an academic essay or engaging in a formal debate. However, I would recommend focusing less on technical details and more on the broader ideas and connections that make the topic meaningful to you. Rather than delving too deeply into specialised content, try to highlight the personal fascination it holds for you and how it ties into larger themes that others might relate to or find intriguing.

For example, if I were answering this question, I might choose to write about the history of the diamond trade and how its regulation has shaped international commerce. While it is an academic topic, I would begin by explaining how my initial interest was sparked, perhaps through a documentary or a legal case study, and then transition into discussing broader themes like globalisation, ethics in trade, and the role of regulation in fostering transparency. I would aim to present the information in a way that captures both the complexities of the topic and the passion I feel for it, ensuring that even someone with no background in the subject could follow my reasoning and feel engaged.

The key is to use the topic as a way to showcase not just your knowledge, but also your ability to convey ideas clearly and to connect with an audience. HSF is likely looking for candidates who are not only well-informed, but also capable of using their insights to enthuse and inform others.

 

[Lovelaw2]

DLA VI, yay!

 

[Amma Usman]

Has anyone had any success with paralegal roles post-graduation? If so, I would appreciate some advice.

Hey @Applebanana425 , I know some people have been successful through checking for roles on Law Society Gazette, as well as reaching out to legal recruiters on LinkedIn - which are usually responsive. There are also specific agencies which partner with firms to find paralegals - for example, the SJP and Ryder are two I know.

 

[Amma Usman]

Hey @Applebanana425 , I know some people have been successful through checking for roles on Law Society Gazette, as well as reaching out to legal recruiters on LinkedIn - which are usually responsive. There are also specific agencies which partner with firms to find paralegals - for example, the SJP and Ryder are two I know.

Hey @Applebanana425 , also just wanted to point out something a bit weird - I find your username soo adorable haha! I don’t know whether it‘s cause I had a banana for breakfast!

 

[FutureTraineeMaybe]

DLA VI, yay!

Congrats!!! May I ask when you passed the WG?

 

[FutureTraineeMaybe]

I have not heard back - applied on 28/11. Is it bad news?

I don't know tbh

 

[Amma Usman]

Any tips for Fieldfishers telephone interview? what kind of questions are they asking?

Hey @hopefulforatc , I am unsure about FF in particular, but I know standard telephone interviews tend to include…

• The basic motivationals.. why law, why commercial law, why this firm. In telephone interviews, you will need to go deeper on what’s in your form - as I suspect more often times than not, this will be in front of them. Bring up new ideas, new motivations, or build up heavily on your existing answers.
• I have once been asked in a telephone interview some situational judgement questions too during first-year scheme applications. So, expect this to be a possibility too. Ideally, most will cover your proactive approach and your ability to work well in a team, or demonstrate how you navigate challenges, deal with stress, manage multiple responsibilities at once, etc. Have a few examples of instances under your belt where you’ve shown these traits, but ensure to leave space to let your mind wander freely too, as you wouldn’t want to follow such a narrow approach. Expect follow up questions too. Unlike ACs, these may just be soft questions, rather than hard technicals, so I believe it’s really about getting into the crux of your skills and motivations well.

Best of luck and I have no doubt that you’ll nail it

 

[AI212121]

does white & case usually wait until after the WVS to respond to summer vac applications?

 

[Lovelaw2]

Congrats!!! May I ask when you passed the WG?

Thanks! Passed 30/10

 

[Amma Usman]

With interviews that are 30mins with grad rec how many questions do they tend to ask and will it mainly be motivational/competency based questions?

Hey @Zaraa.x. In my experience, there isn’t really a set number of questions that’re asked. Although, bear in mind that sometimes Graduate Recruitment actually have a set number and type of questions that need to be asked. In any case, I always say this - with any interview, the direction of how the interview goes is in your hands. You can weave in certain comments to enable the person on the other end to ask you certain types of questions. However, don‘t do this at the expense of, or without properly answering what you have already been asked. If the details of the content of the interview haven’t been disclosed to you, then prepare for the full spectrum - motivational, competency, situational judgement, commercial, and so on. It is unlikely that this would not be disclosed, and I would have suspected it should be on the website or the invite email. If it’s not, I would send a follow-up to GR inquiring about this, if I was in your shoes. In fact, I’ve actually found myself in this situation multiple times and later received more details content-wise.

On another side note, 30 minutes actually goes by very quickly in an interview situation and it sometimes doesn’t even take up to 30 minutes.

Best of luck on the interview. You’ll do amazing !

 

[Amma Usman]

does white & case usually wait until after the WVS to respond to summer vac applications?

Hey @AI212121 , I had seen a post on LinkedIn yesterday where the firm welcomed its WVS students. I suspect the GR team is busy with this period and thus, you are right in suggesting that more details on SVS applications will come after thIs.

 

[Amma Usman]

Hi all, just noticed that the Skadden application work experience section does not automatically sift the entered work experiences into dates, like other platforms. Did any other applicant put down their experience chronologically?

Hey @TC Chaser , in cases like this, I always ensure to put the experiences chronologically. Some firms don’t have strict preferences, but structuring date-wise provides a better metric to follow.

 

[AI212121]

Hey @AI212121 , I had seen a post on LinkedIn yesterday where the firm welcomed its WVS students. I suspect the GR team is busy with this period and thus, you are right in suggesting that more details on SVS applications will come after thIs.

thanks so much, i saw the post which was why i was curious. i havent seen anyone on here mention responses for the SVS so wasnt sure lol

 

[lolasparks]

Weil Women’s Open Day rejection, they told em to apply for VS because I had a strong application. I imagine this is something they've said to everyone?

 

[Uch21]

Anyone got any advice on the HSF assessment? Not sure if it's strictly SJT.

First time applying to HSF so any help would be appreciated.

The test was SJTs and personality questionnaires. I would advise that you think about how you can display the firm's values in every question.

 

[legalxp2]

yes for sure doing it before the deadline ahaha. just surprised because in past years they have sent the SJT separately AND reminders!

with that being said can anyone confirm whether they send a confirmation email for when the SJT is completed or is there no communication at all until they review the app?

 

[Zaraa.x]

Hey @Zaraa.x. In my experience, there isn’t really a set number of questions that’re asked. Although, bear in mind that sometimes Graduate Recruitment actually have a set number and type of questions that need to be asked. In any case, I always say this - with any interview, the direction of how the interview goes is in your hands. You can weave in certain comments to enable the person on the other end to ask you certain types of questions. However, don‘t do this at the expense of, or without properly answering what you have already been asked. If the details of the content of the interview haven’t been disclosed to you, then prepare for the full spectrum - motivational, competency, situational judgement, commercial, and so on. It is unlikely that this would not be disclosed, and I would have suspected it should be on the website or the invite email. If it’s not, I would send a follow-up to GR inquiring about this, if I was in your shoes. In fact, I’ve actually found myself in this situation multiple times and later received more details content-wise.

On another side note, 30 minutes actually goes by very quickly in an interview situation and it sometimes doesn’t even take up to 30 minutes.

Best of luck on the interview. You’ll do amazing !

Thank you Amma for your detailed response!! Funny enough I asked GR about the content of the interview and the response was they can’t say to make it fair for everybody else but I’ve prepped for the full spectrum you've mentioned.

Yeahh I agree - questioning may be less than 30mins taking into account intros and time for me to ask questions as well.

Thank you!!